Podcast Summary: Catholic Saints – Episode on St. Maria Goretti

Podcast Information:

• Title: Catholic Saints
• Host/Author: Augustine Institute
• Episode: St. Maria Goretti
• Release Date: July 6, 2025

Introduction

In the July 6, 2025 episode of Catholic Saints, hosted by Mary and featuring Dr. Ariel Harms from the Augustine Institute, listeners are introduced to the life and legacy of St. Maria Goretti. The episode aims to inspire and encourage the faithful by exploring the virtues and heroic actions of this young saint.

Mary [00:02]: "You're listening to a podcast on Catholic Saints... Hello. Welcome to Catholic Saints. My name is Mary and I'm joined with Dr. Ariel Harms. Thanks for joining today."

Dr. Ariel Harms [00:26]: "Thanks for having me."

Early Life of St. Maria Goretti

St. Maria Goretti was born in October 1890 in Coronaldo, Italy, into a poor farming family. She was the third of seven children, born to Luigi and Assunta Goretti.

Dr. Ariel Harms [01:08]: "She was born in October of 1890 and her parents were Luigi and Assunta. She was the third of seven children born in a town called Coronaldo, Italy."

Growing up, Maria's family faced significant hardships. They lost their farm when she was just five years old and moved multiple times, ultimately working on other farms. In 1899, Maria's father Luigi succumbed to malaria, leaving the family in even greater distress.

Dr. Ariel Harms [02:23]: "Shortly after the move in 1899, her father Luigi caught malaria and died."

Despite these challenges, Maria became a pillar of support for her mother and siblings. At nine years old, she took on significant household responsibilities, demonstrating remarkable maturity and dedication.

Dr. Ariel Harms [02:23]: "Nine-year-old Maria was a great support and help to her mother. While her mother and her siblings were working in the field, she would take care of housework and watching her youngest sister Teresa."

The Tragic Event and Martyrdom

Maria's life took a tragic turn on July 5, 1902, when Alessandro Serenelli, the 20-year-old son of a family they lived with, attempted to assault her. Maria courageously resisted his advances, leading Alessandro to stab her 14 times. Although she didn't die instantly, her injuries were fatal, and she passed away the following day after receiving the sacraments.

Dr. Ariel Harms [03:36]: "Alessandro actually ended up making a couple of sexual advances on Maria... he stabbed her 14 times with an awl and then left her to die and ran away."

Despite the brutality of the attack, Maria's response was marked by profound forgiveness. Before her death, she forgave Alessandro, expressing a desire for him to join her in heaven.

Dr. Ariel Harms [05:01]: "She forgave Alessandro before she died. She was worried about her mother... she wanted to make sure that he was with her in heaven."

Forgiveness and Legacy

Maria's act of forgiveness extended beyond her final moments. Her mother also forgave Alessandro, and both stood together during Maria's beatification in Rome—a rare occurrence as it was likely one of the first instances where a mother's presence was integral to the beatification of her child.

Dr. Ariel Harms [05:39]: "Her mother stood out on the balcony with Pope Pius XII and three of her siblings there when they announced that she was beatified."

Maria's willingness to forgive even her attacker is a cornerstone of her legacy, highlighting themes of mercy and unconditional love.

Beatification and Canonization

St. Maria Goretti's path to sainthood was notably swift, attributed to miracles attributed to her intercession and the strong popular devotion she inspired. Her canonization process was expedited, reflecting the immediate recognition of her virtuous life and martyrdom.

Dr. Ariel Harms [06:17]: "There were miracles attributed to her and there was a popular piety that sprang up there."

Virtues Exemplified by St. Maria Goretti

Maria is celebrated for her courage and chastity, especially remarkable given her young age. At 11 years old, she exhibited extraordinary bravery in resisting her attacker and maintaining her purity despite immense pressure.

Dr. Ariel Harms [07:02]: "Courage and chastity are what first come to mind... to have that kind of courage, to be able to say, no, this is wrong, is amazing."

Her humility and selflessness are further evidenced by her interactions during her final hours, where she prioritized others' well-being over her own.

Dr. Ariel Harms [09:28]: "It's pretty clear that she was, during that whole time, was not thinking of herself... she was thinking of her mother, she was thinking of her attacker, she was thinking of her siblings, but never of herself."

Pastoral Applications and Patronages

St. Maria Goretti serves as a model for young people, demonstrating that significant virtue and saintliness are attainable from a young age. Her life underscores the importance of early moral formation and the continual pursuit of holiness.

Dr. Ariel Harms [11:09]: "We tend to let people, let children get away with things... Maria shows us that the work of forming saints starts when we're young."

Maria is recognized as the patron saint of youth, teenage girls, people suffering from poverty, and forgiveness, offering intercession and inspiration to those in need of these virtues.

Mary [13:11]: "She's the patron of youth, teenage girls, people who are suffering from poverty. Also a patron saint for forgiveness."

Conclusion

The episode concludes by reflecting on the profound impact of St. Maria Goretti's life and her enduring legacy of forgiveness and virtue. Mary and Dr. Ariel Harms emphasize the relevance of Maria's story in inspiring listeners to pursue holiness and embody forgiveness in their own lives.

Mary [13:30]: "I love her story, and it really convicts me... how someone like Maria forgave someone who did such an attack on her. How can I more deeply be called to levels of forgiveness in my own life."

Listeners are encouraged to seek St. Maria Goretti's intercession and emulate her remarkable virtues in their daily lives.

Mary [13:40]: "Saint Maria Goretti. Pray for us."

Notable Quotes:

• Mary [00:02]: "This podcast is produced by the Augustine Institute, an apostolate helping Catholics understand, live and share their faith."

• Dr. Ariel Harms [06:42]: "When even the person who attacks you ends up proclaiming your virtue. That's pretty powerful."

• Mary [11:12]: "We often underestimate that potential as well."

• Dr. Ariel Harms [12:46]: "She's the youngest canonized saint."

This episode of Catholic Saints offers a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of St. Maria Goretti's life, highlighting her unwavering faith, extraordinary forgiveness, and the powerful example she sets for both the young and the devout. Through engaging dialogue and insightful reflections, Mary and Dr. Ariel Harms provide listeners with a deeper appreciation of Maria's sainthood and its relevance to contemporary faith journeys.